It has been a difficult few months for Sony’s TV game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. However, today we got some good news on the latter. Pat Sajak and Vanna White renewed their contracts through 2024.
Along with the contract renewal news, we learned there are going to be a lot of changes happening on the show starting on Monday. Sajak is now a consulting producer. He is not the only Sajak on the program now. His daughter is joining the series. Maggie Sajak will be sharing behind-the-scenes access and interviews with the hosts, staff, crew, and contestants on social media.
There are also going to be gameplay changes. For starters, Sajak is no longer going to turn the wheel for the Final Spin. Instead, the contestant in control will do it. “If you think about it, by doing the Final Spin I, as host, had an impact on the outcome of the game and that has always bothered me because it just didn’t feel right,” said Sajak. “With this change, only the contestants determine the outcome of the game and the host does not impose themself in any way.”
The wheel is also getting some changes. The Free Play wedge is gone, and it will be replaced by an $850 one. They also changed the minimum amount of the Bonus Wheel to $39,000 for the show’s 39th season.
Finally, expect to see a refreshed set and music. Other than that, it is all the same.
